O's continue their rebuilding effort, trying to figure out what works in Camden Yards and what doesn't.

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Lineup lacks all the hallmarks I look for in a good OOTP team. There is no clear leadoff hitter, the team also lacks speed throughout the lineup except at the end, where B.J. Upton resides with his 5 contact. Power is inconsistent and unspectacular, with Adrian Beltre delivering his swan song at third base after winning his rings with Cleveland. The defense is also suspect at most positions. Chase D'Arnuad won the Rookie of the Year by only playing vs righties and spent most of last year at DH. Now, he moves to 2B.

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The pitching staff is the bright spot, but... so is most of TBL's pitching staffs. In a pitching-heavy league, a very consistent rotation that has routinely been in the top 10 returns. Luebke and Jacobson have pitched like bona fide aces. Perkins has been inconsistent but serviceable, same can be said for Buchholz. Fernandez makes his ML debut. He's taken two hits over the past few seasons, but I think he might be a bump up candidate.

The bullpen is headed by dominant Gabriel Hernandez, who used to start until his duration dropped. He should effectively close any game the O's happen to lead late. Storen has been inconsistent but should serve as a very good setup. The Curious Case of Scott Tyler continues, as his 7-5-9 ratings suggest poor performance, but his 3.60 career ERA in just under 200 innings suggest otherwise. Cashner has pitched better out of the pen than the rotation and looks to figure into an important role this year there. Anxious to see how Soriano's ratings do at Camden and will watch his splits.

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Baltimore enters Spring Training with the top system, although these rankings are fickle and mean nothing. The youth movement continues, as Baltimore has two first round picks in the current draft.

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Headlined by Zack Wheeler and Addison Russell, a near-ML ready minors looks to continue positive development. I'm getting early development from Russell and Catcher David Lewis, while not as quick development out of the fruits of the Pujols trade, Wheeler and Smoak. They both have still some time to fill out, though. Also hoping for a ratings re-boost for Giolito.

This team finished two over .500 at 82-80 last year. The year before ended at 88-74. Based on the pitching I still expect the team to squeak out a near-.500 finish again this year. The real tell will be when the young offensive specs take over and will the pitching be too old to keep up by then. Most likely.

Guess: 83-79, 3rd place in NL East, 15 games out of Wild Card.

Fun Fact - Baltimore has won the Leftfield Gold Glove every year since 2010.

2010 - Tim Raines Jr. won the Gold Glove Award at Leftfield.
2011 - Tim Raines Jr. won the Gold Glove Award at Leftfield.
2012 - Michael Restovich won the Gold Glove Award at Leftfield.
2013 - Jason Perry won the Gold Glove Award at Leftfield.

Other Awards Won Since 2009
2009 - Felix Pie was named American League Rookie of the Year award !
2010 - Felix Pie won the Gold Glove Award at Centerfield.
2010 - Michael Restovich won the Gold Glove Award at Rightfield.
2011 - Albert Pujols was named American League-Batter of the Year!
2013 - Chase D'Arnuad was named American League Rookie of the Year award !